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Reviews
For All Mankind (2019)
A different take on the Space Race
This Apple TV show fills a much needed void. It re-explores the early days of NASA and then presents some "what if" scenarios, presenting a compelling alternate history.
As always Joel Kinnaman is excellent as well as all of the others cast in this space-meets-science-meets history political drama.
Every week I look forward to seeing what direction the show will take. And while it is not completely original, the show is written and executed in an effective manner giving its audience a quality program that leaves one looking forward to its next installment.
If you like Star Trek, military history, and stories about the space race you should like this show.
The Killing (2011)
There is something special about this show
I am currently watching this series for the third time. I love the setting, the mood, and the characters. This show introduced me to Joel Kinnaman whom I love to watch act. His characters feel very real.
I like that this show follows a single murder across seasons. So many cop dramas are episodic and cheesy. This one takes the time to really explore the experiences of people. It also weaves in a lot of whodunit mystery which makes the show intriguing.
Overall this is a great show with an excellent cast. I'm not sure how "realistic" the writing is, but I found the show compelling and thought provoking. And, like I mentioned, I love the mood and setting.
A Good Person (2023)
Excellent acting by Pugh and Freeman (of course)
This is a perfect movie. The casting is perfect and I was really impressed with Florence Pugh. So real.
I look forward to seeing her in more stuff.
Morgan Freeman was great of course. His character was intelligent and introspective which is a perfect fit for Freeman. (One of the world's finest actors).
Great realistic screenplay with superb acting all the way around. The story was believable, the story arch felt natural, and the tone and setting really worked to bring it all to life.
All the characters experience personal growth as the movie progresses. Even smaller characters show growth.
Wow. Super film.
Great Expectations (2023)
Loosely based
This story was loosely based on the Dickens novel which I always loved. I enjoyed seeing the characters come to life in a different rendition of a familiar tale. I thought the casting was good, the acting was good, and I like the diversity of the cast. My only con is it got to the ending a little to fast. Would have liked a little more development in the end concerning Pip's decision and how it ultimately affected Estella. I though the actor playing Mr. Jaggers did very well and Ms. Havisham was also very good. Both Magwich and Compeyson were convincing as well.
Overall, I enjoyed and looked forward to each episode. I always like seeing renditions of good books. I didn't mind that this one took a lot of liberties.
Another Earth (2011)
Philosophical movie about regret, loss, and hope
Beautiful movie about life and mistakes and the idea that maybe someplace in the universe we exist, possibly free from mistakes made on this Earth.
This is a philosophical movie about regret and loss and hope. It's unique ... and I thought beautiful.
Slow burn but very thought provoking if you are a philosophical type person.
If you are looking for a science fiction space movie this is not it. This is more a psychological exploration juxtaposed over a science fiction concept of a parallel universe in the form of another identical earth. But it 100% is set on our Earth. So no space stuff but still a cool concept.
The Tudors (2007)
An interesting introduction to the wives of Henry VIII
Firstly, this show focuses mainly on the romantic choices of the famous King Henry VIII. So for one looking for that it is a fun start.
Other than the wives and the religious issues with the Catholic Church, there is not much more history to be learnt.
That being said, the acting is super. The writing is entertaining and the scenery and sets and costumes are beautiful.
For anyone interested in Tudor history there is a lot to be appreciated in this series just be forewarned that it is very very centered on the love life of the King -- of course with very attractive actors and lots of gratuitous scenes.
I liked it a lot but it does have its limits. Let's say it's a nice historical introduction.
I have watched the series twice. It's good quality.
The Split (2018)
It's an everyday-type family drama with great acting and writing
This is a drama with a mild soapy feel, but I liked the overall feel of the show. The writing was great and all of the acting was really good. I watched this because I like Nicola walker a lot, but in the end all of the cast did a very good job. I also liked the way the series ended. Maybe I am a sap, but I found the show heartfelt and touching. And some of the dialogue in parts was just beautiful.
There are a lot of strong female characters which I appreciated.
I really like watching British television. It's fun to see how they live on the other side of the pond. I recommend this show. It might be female-centric but there is something for everyone.
The Putin Interviews (2017)
A nice perspective on things
I enjoyed listening to this enlightening conversation; it helped create a more educated worldview.
The context is such that it really shines a light on Russia, it's unique history, and it's position in today's world.
Encanto (2021)
Falls flat, missed opportunity
The animation is beautiful.
The story is weak. Very weak.
The conflict feels shallow, basic, and predictable
It doesn't do a good job introducing the audience to Colombian culture. That would have made it more interesting. By the time you get to the grandma's back story, you are already bored. Her history is more interesting than the main plot but it's glossed over.
Most songs do not add anything to the story or advance the plot. Only the "Bruno" song manages this. Also it's a South American setting so the music should reflect that. There is only one Spanish song in the movie.
Overall, this was a miss. Boring and shallow.
Raised by Wolves (2020)
A new sci fi premise to explore
I really enjoyed this show. The casting is great the acting is great and the cinematography is great. The storyline captures the interest and maintains that allure to the end.
Euphoria (2019)
Culturally Unhealthy Presentation
1. Behavior not typical of most American teens
2. Sexual exploitation of youth
3. Makes all males look evil
4. Culturally unhealthy message in a time where people (young and old) are bombarded with sexually toxic images and situations.
5. May encourage predatory behavior
I think I maybe see what the show was attempting but it was poorly executed and potentially harmful to very young people who will likely be drawn to it due to its cast.
All that said, the acting and cinematography was good. Those who don't find issue with the theme will probably enjoy the series.
The messaging is irresponsible/ethically questionable. It reduces people to objects.
Dune (2021)
It got my attention
I have not read the books, but watching this movie made me want to read them. I am also invested in seeing the next film. I think this movie was good and definitely has potential for sequels.
I have known about Dune for a long time. This movie was enough to drive me to buy the books and anxiously await the part 2.
The film has good acting and casting and also nice cinematography, effects, and musical score.
The Outsider (2020)
Missed the mark
Good cast with decent performances, but the story was clunky and the dialogue was painfully awkward at times. All of the main characters seemed a little "lost" in their own storylines as if they were looking for someone to lead them as opposed to really taking the reigns to track the murderer/solve the case.
Sometimes it was like when you talk to a person who you can tell doesn't fully understand you and you get that sorta blank stare ... the characters' dialogue often felt like that. One talks then the other just says nothing or answers in some vague reply that adds nothing to the plot.
Certain scenes were just not right. For instance towards the beginning a man spontaneously pulls a gun on another man in a parking lot. Next thing you know they are surrounded by cops with a chopper overhead??? Who the hell called the cops, and how long did that guy just stand there pointing the gun? I am thinking the way he walked up he had two choices ... immediately shoot the other man, or decide not to and run off. Instead I guess he waited 15 minutes to 45 minutes for SWAT to arrive.
So I guess some of the scenes were too unrealistic or generally not thought through.
Overall the series was not compelling. Probably worth watching if you like the cast (which I do) or if you like Steven King (which I do); however, with some better writing and a different focus this tale could have been much more sinister and realistic. As it was made, it feels really really generic.
Carnival Row (2019)
It took a minute, but I ended up hooked
Once you get used to the fantasy aspect, the story takes over and you want to see it to its end. It is slightly predictable but, still a good watch with good acting and cinematography. I will watch the second season to see where it goes
Game of Thrones (2011)
To whomever wrote the ending (rating due to ending)
An excellent set of books, a good show for most seasons;however, the ending (and final season) did not honor the spirit of the story and also destroyed the years of character development of its central figures.
After all that suffering, magic, and war ... nothing is accomplished and the world is left worse off.
May as well have let the dead win and saved the money spent trying to force a twist ending.
Damn, I am mad.